Immediate danger or a medical emergency
Call the emergency number where you are. In the US and Canada, this is 911; in the UK, 999 or 112; across the European Union, 112. If you cannot safely make a call, ask someone nearby to help. Do not wait for a private programme, overseas travel or a routine therapy appointment.
Severe chest pain, major breathing difficulty, collapse, a seizure, suspected overdose or immediate risk of serious harm require urgent medical response. A recent bereavement does not make a medical symptom safe to ignore.
United States
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
United Kingdom and Ireland
Samaritans can be reached on 116 123 for emotional support. This is different from emergency medical response. Samaritans: contact support
In England, NHS 111 provides a route to urgent mental-health help; use the mental-health option where offered. For immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. Services elsewhere in the UK may differ. NHS: urgent help for mental health
Elsewhere
Use the official local emergency service or health authority to find the appropriate crisis route. If you are abroad, tell responders your exact location. A hotel’s reception, a trusted local person or your existing clinician may help you identify services, but should not delay an emergency call.
Supporting another person
Take statements about suicide or an inability to stay safe seriously. Help contact an appropriate service and, where it is safe, stay with the person while help is arranged. Do not promise secrecy about an immediate threat to life. Follow the emergency service’s instructions.
When the need is not an emergency
A primary-care clinician, grief therapist or bereavement organization can help with ongoing distress. When to seek help explains how to match support to current needs.